Receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey To Remain With Steelers In 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Thursday that they have made a one-year deal with receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey to remain with the team through the 2015 season.  The move was similar to the one-year contract Heyward-Bey signed with Pittsurgh in April 2014, entering the roster after five seasons with the Oakland Raiders (2009-12) and Indianapolis Colts (2013).

“It’s great to be back,” said Heyward-Bey after signing his latest contract.  “I just wanted to stay here and be a part of a great organization and play for a great coach.  That is what Coach (Mike) Tomlin is.” Heyward-Bey reinforced the fact that free agency can be difficult for players.  “For some guys it’s tough dealing with the unknown, but I knew what I wanted…In this business of the NFL for (the Steelers) to be very honest with me, what they expect from me and me telling them what I expect…It’s an honest partnership.”

Heyward-Bey was not utilized much during the 2014 season, watching Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant take the top three receiver spots.  Heyward-Bey and Lance Moore were more often brought in on four-receiver sets or to give one of the starters a two-down breather.  Moore was released by the Steelers earlier in the offseason.  Heyward-Bey recorded just three receptions for 33 yards, but the former number one draft pick didn’t allow his absence from the offense get in his way.  Instead, he put his heart into special teams.

“I recognize a lot of people in my position wouldn’t want to do that,” Heyward-Bey said, “but I am a different type of personality.  It’s all about the team.” He went on to add, “If they need me to go out there on special teams and perform, I will do that.”

Heyward-Bey has 172 receptions for 2,413 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns for his career (regular season stats) and started 65 of 88 games.

S Dean

S. Dean is a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan. The former owner of 'The Beam in Pittsburgh', Dean has worked in the sports media field for several years. S. Dean graduated with a degree in physical therapy and sports medicine, has a minor in journalism and is a Mt. Lebanon, PA, native. His favorite Steelers players (all-time) are Jerome Bettis, Lynn Swann and Joey Porter. You can follow him on Twitter @NFLHotTopix and Google Plus. To see his full bio, please visit the Meet Our Staff page.